Natural Treatments for Infertility

Doctors treat infertility with medications and treatments that can be very effective, but the results can take a long period of time and, above all, the road can be emotionally exhausting. Before starting these series of treatments, we recommend that you try practicing the following advice for some time (approximately one year). This can help fertility without causing side effects to both men and women.

Maintain a healthy weight. The act of being too thin or being overweight can affect the levels of hormones necessary for conception, weakening ovulation in women and the production of sperm in men. In order to help maintain a stable weight, try moderate exercise like walking. Vigorous exercise can also interrupt ovulation.

Break the bad habits. In men, smoking, drinking alcohol, or abusing drugs can reduce the quality of sperm. In the case of women, the higher amount and time spent smoking can cause a reduction in the possibility of staying pregnant.

Reduce your stress. Problems with infertility can rise in situations of stress and depression, and in turn can cause infertility in women, creating a vicious circle. Studies have shown that women who practice meditation, yoga, visualization, therapy, or participate in support groups that deal with infertility have a higher rate of conception.

Control your body temperature. The testicles in men should be at a lower temperature than the rest of the body, creating a production of healthier sperm. It is recommended that men should not go to saunas, steam rooms or baths while trying to conceive. Underwear like boxers or briefs should not affect the production of sperm. What is recommended is to use cotton or breathable fabrics.

Take your daily vitamins. The possibility of conception is maximized by a healthy body; this can be maintained by having a balanced diet. Vitamins C, E, B-12, folic acid, zinc, selenium, and carotene help in the production of sperm. Folic acid helps to prevent birth defects, and it is recommended that women start taking prenatal multivitamins prior to becoming pregnant.

Try alternative medicines. Studies have shown that women who have had acupuncture while receiving in vitro fertilization are more likely to conceive. Combining traditional western medicine with herbs and other techniques can benefit fertilization.